ISL 2017: FC Pune City vs Bengaluru FC, 5 Talking Points

Red card changed everything

Baljit Sahni's red card turned the match on its head. (Photo: ISL)

The Indian Super League has seen 5 red cards this season. Two of them have been shown to FC Pune City players. Tonight, Baljit Sahni received his marching orders on the 56th minute for a petulant tackle on Nobrega.

It completely changed the nature of the game. Prior to that indecent, Pune were dominating BFC and looked on course to secure a vital victory. However, the red card meant Bengaluru could finally impose themselves on the game and they did so immediately. Miku scored eight minutes after Baljit was sent off and punished the home side. He returned to haunt them half-volleying a loose ball from close range to give BFC a crucial lead.

If there is one thing missing for Pune, it's their inability to assess situations. Leading 1-0 and dominating proceedings, there was no good reason for Baljit to dive into a tackle and put his team at risk. One can never imagine Bengaluru doing the same, had they been in a similar position.